Logan Paul recently dropped a hot take that has Pokemon card collectors buzzing: “Culture always prices in last.” What does that even mean for your favorite cards? In simple terms, Logan is saying that when a Pokemon card or character blows up in pop culture, movies, memes, or social media hype, its price doesn’t skyrocket right away. The market takes time to catch up, and smart buyers can get in early before everyone else piles on.
Think about it like this. A card might sit at a steady price for months, even if its Pokemon is getting tons of attention online or in new games. Then, suddenly, demand explodes from new fans, and prices climb fast. We’ve seen this play out in the 2025 Pokemon TCG market, where some cards are dipping now but could be primed for jumps based on cultural buzz.
Take Gastly from Temporal Forces. It surged big last month, topping chase cards at over $80 before dropping back to around $54.[4] Why the rollercoaster? Hype built quick from its cool artwork and Ghost-type fans, but supply flooded in. Culture priced it in late, pulling the value down before it might rebound if memes or new content keep it hot.
Or look at Verzen from White Flare. Three months back, it was just $16. Now it’s at $24, up 48%.[1] No massive movie tie-in yet, but steady collector interest is building. Cards like this show how culture simmers before boiling over into prices.
Even big names aren’t immune. Pikachu from Scarlet & Violet 151 dipped from higher peaks to $197 and keeps sliding.[1] Everyone loves Pikachu, but with so many prints out there, culture needs a fresh push, like a viral TikTok or anime episode, to reignite bids.
Raw and graded prices tell the same story. Modern sets like Surging Sparks and Temporal Forces are down overall, with packs lingering on shelves.[6] Graded big hitters hold floors around $250 to $1,000, flattening after peaks, while others like Mega Lucario EX fell from $370.[1][2] Sealed product trends mirror this, correcting after years of growth.[1]
Logan Paul’s point hits home for investors and collectors. Prices for cards tied to rising stars, like Raging Bolt ex at $62 or Iron Crown ex at $42, might lag behind the hype.[4] Nostalgia drives steady sales in the $10 to $80 range, peaking around December.[3] But watch for cultural sparks, like new sets or crossovers, that could flip dips into spikes.
Forum chatter backs this up. Modern cards across sets are cheaper now, tempting buyers to load up before any One Piece shift or fresh Pokemon wave changes the game.[6] A card that hit $2,400 after dipping to $1,350 proves buyers jumped when culture aligned.[5]
Spot these patterns on sites like TCGPlayer. Track illustration rares and special supporters, as they lead most wanted lists.[4] Culture prices in last, so if a Pokemon is everywhere but its card isn’t, that could be your window. Keep eyes on White Flare risers and Temporal Forces stabilizers for 2025 moves.
